CROWDS gathered in glorious sunshine at the weekend to celebrate the latest Weaverham Rose Fete Carnival.
The popular event, which is held on Lakehouse Field, has been running for almost 100 years.
And on Saturday, July 8, the community came out in force to watch the parade and see 14-year-old Poppy Sophia Gibson crowned Rose Queen 2023.
Barbara Eames, chairperson of the Rose Fete committee, was delighted with the turnout in what was her 30th year involved with organising the event.
She said: "It went very, very well on Saturday. The rain kept off, it was such a beautiful day.
"Everything went fine. The parade was a bit bigger this year and we're getting more and more people coming to us and asking if they can join the parade next year.
"We've really done well considering there's only myself and Pam Palfreyman, who has been on the committee for about 20 years, putting the carnival on.
"I was so happy to see everyone enjoying themselves. I had a bit of a tear in my eye, but I really enjoyed it. The crowd really came out this year.
"We're looking forward now to next year."
Weaverham Parish councillor Peter Wilkinson opened the fete before the various queens went around the arena with their retinues.
Following their banquet tea, dance groups put on displays to the delight of the crowds.
Barbara added: "I'd like to really thank Kiera McTasney, our retiring 2022 Rose Queen, and her retinue for doing just a brilliant job for us on Saturday.
"She's been in the carnival since she was a child. She was the glitter fairy, fairy queen, rose bud, princess and junior queen.
"Her mum's been doing a lot in the past 11 years so she's finished it off now.
"I'd also love to thank Poppy Sophie Gibson, our 2023 Rose Queen, and her retinue for doing such a good job on the day.
"My grandson Bobby Powell was her Prince Consort this year and he looked so lovely in his little yellow braces.
"And also I'd like to thank Michelle Spence, Leah Powell, Mr and Mrs Wakefield and Mr and Mrs Howman for doing the arena for us.
"They worked very hard on the arena, it's been lovely for us."
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